My staff informed me that our clinic received an email from "Mark Pelton", stating that he was a journalist in the Ukraine. He wanted mental health services for his daughter, who was coming to the US for a 2-week visit. He specified the number of "lessons" he wanted for her and offered to pay the entire amount of the fees by check prior to services starting. His wording and requests were very odd, so I Googled his name and found this site. Apparently, Mark Pelton has scammed other businesses before, asking for services and offering to pay up front. I learned that he then emails the intended victim saying that his friend in the US sent a check including the amount of his travel expenses and asking that the business send a refund check for the travel expenses to him. Thank goodness for this site, as I was able to warn my staff and prevent any further contact.
Welcome to Scamwarners Aspie Doc,
Yes, it is a scam. The scammer wanted to send a fake check and have you deposit it. Your bank will think it is real then in a few days or week your bank will notify you of the fraud. If the check was cashed you will have to repay the bank. In some cases the bank may close your account and report you to Law Enforcement for a financial crime.
The scammer would have came up with a reason why you would need to forward money via Western Union or Moneygram to a third person.
When you get a chance please post the scammers email address and his initial email to you. This information will help other businesses if they search the internet.
ETA: For more information see here viewtopic.php?f=26&t=95007